Bangalore, Jan 28: Rahul Dravid has come in a new avatar in the world of sports. The cricketer, who was known as a 'Wall' of Team India, now will become the mentor of junior Olympics athletes and Paralympic athletes.

Dravid on Monday, Jan 27 announced his association with GoSports Foundation with an aim to contribute towards the development and mentorship of Indian junior Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Dravid will join the Board of Advisors of sports non-profit organisation and will also institute the 'Rahul Dravid Athlete Mentorship Programme'.

Dravid will also institute the 'Rahul Dravid Athlete Mentorship Programme'

The mentorship will involve Dravid and his team of experts personally advising select high-potential athletes at key phases in their careers, and also providing them access to scientific expertise, performance and injury management, and allied professional services, so as to provide specific and meaningful support to their young careers.

Speaking on the association, Rahul Dravid said, "Being a sportsperson, I realise the varied support every athlete needs in order to succeed at the highest level. Over the last few years, a lot of effort has been made to develop Indian sports, and our performances at international competitions have been steadily improving."

"Winning at sport is as much about processes as it is about outcomes and I feel that we must put in place programmes that address the most important needs of young sportsmen and sportswomen as they prepare for competition. I have seen the pride and joy that success at sports brings and I want to participate in the lives and journeys of our young Olympians and Paralympians," he added.

Dravid will bring his experience and knowledge of competitive sports, and his insights on management and administration, and will help the foundation execute high-impact athlete-centric programmes.

Dravid will be hosting a charity dinner event here at the end of February in aid of the programmes.

Later in the year, Dravid is slated to issue the keynote address at the GoSports Foundation Athletes' Conclave 2014 - a platform for junior and senior athletes of all sporting disciplines to interact, share ideas and enhance their knowledge in the presence of successful sportspersons and industry professionals. Dravid joins 2008 Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra on the Foundation's Board of Advisors.

OneIndia News
(With PTI inputs)